PREVIEW: ‘Downton Abbey’ Season 6, Episode Six

It’s Downton night at romance is in the air for Mary, Edith, and Mrs. Patmore too! Get a sneak peek of tonight’s Downton Abbey, airing at 9:00pm ET|PT on PBS Masterpiece.

If we’re going to talk about last week’s Downton Abbey (Episode Five), then it’s imperative that we start with that SHOCKING end.

In the midst of a very heated dinner debate (another about the local hospital), Robert’s ulcer burst in the most surprising and gruesome way! Perhaps we should have anticipated this scene… since last season’s Christmas Special, Lord Grantham had been complaining of tummy issues. But the way it actually played out, I thought I accidentally changed the channel to Game of Thrones! Blood all over the place, “deathbed” declarations of love from Robert to Cora, and so much frenzy! I was sure that this was the end of Lord Grantham; however it seemed that having Dr. Clarkson and Cousin Isobel there was the saving grace. The ambulance quickly came and by the end of the episode, we received news that Robert was recovering. THANK GOODNESS!

In the behind-the-scenes video below, the Downton cast talks about filming this dinner scene. Apparently, it actually wasn’t supposed to get that bloody, but Hugh Bonneville got *really* into the acting! Check it out:

Well, this lead us to another bombshell! In all the ruckus, Mary overheard a conversation between Cora and Lady Violet about Marigold. Could Mary now know about the true parentage of Edith’s “ward”? She was certainly suspicious and even asked Anna about any rumors downstairs. Will Mary continue investigating?

While I’m all for honesty, I seriously worry that if Mary finds out the truth about Marigold, she’ll use it against Edith. There’s no love lost between those two and I would hate for Mary to try and sabotage things for her sister, especially now that things are looking up for Edith! The kiss she shared with Bertie was so sweet. And judging from this week’s episode preview, Bertie’s coming to Downton too!

Anywho, Mary has her own situation to deal with. Last week, her relationship with Henry seemed to be getting more serious (thanks to matchmaking Branson!). But could Mary actually fall in love with a race-car driver after losing Matthew in a car accident?

We can expect the following in tonight’s Downton Abbey (Episode Six; written by Julian Fellowes and directed by Michael Engler):

The hospital war reaches a climax. Violet goes on the warpath. Daisy tries to foil a romance. Prospects are looking up for Mary and Edith. Thomas feels trapped. (via PBS)

Downton Abbey opens its doors to the public for charity, and tensions between Cora and Violet reach a dramatic climax. (via IMDB)

Seriously?! I thought the hospital debate was settled at the end of last week! Lady Violet’s attempt to blackmail Neville Chamberlain (the Minister of Health!) for support didn’t work and Cora firmly put her foot down. Granted, both were more focussed on getting Robert to the hospital, but still!

And what’s this about Daisy trying to foil a romance… I’m thinking that she tries to sabotage the budding friendship between Mr. Mason and Mrs. Patmore. Truly, I can’t understand Daisy’s jealousy!

Speaking of romance, it seems (with encouragement from Branson) Mary’s relationship with Henry Talbot will continue to deepen. Watch this clip from the upcoming show where Mary convinces Tom to join her in Londontown for some of that fun:

Yes, Branson, we all know that Mary’s excitement to see Evelyn Napier is purely an excuse! Also, I like seeing Edith give the snark right back to Mary!

Take a look at five images from Episode Six (below) which show more of the Mary/Henry date. Remember to tune into PBS Mastererpiece tonight at 9:00pm ET|PT for the new Downton Abbey and come live tweet with us (@WeSoNerdy)!

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE

Courtesy of Nick Briggs/Carnival Film & Television Limited 2015 for MASTERPIECE